FDA Urged to Remove Over-the-Counter Teething Meds for Infants

By

Ed Silverman

Jul 31, 2014 9:27 am ET

A consumer advocacy group has petitioned the FDA to remove over-the-counter medicines that are used to treat teething pain in infants and toddlers, citing a rare but potentially fatal adverse reaction. The group is also asking the agency to issue warnings about the reaction on other over-the-counter products that include benzocaine and are intended for use by people of all ages.

In its petition, Public Citizen contends that benzocaine – which is a topical anesthetic that is contained in gels, liquids and sprays under such names as Baby Orajel and Anbesol Baby – was never demonstrated in clinical trials to be effective in relieving teething pain. Moreover, the advocacy group contends safer treatments are readily available.